Chapter 25

Was there any truth to what Pierson had said? Was there really some kind of history between Alexia and Waylon?

The question nagged at Marilee. Why would it be Alexia? What set her apart from everyone else?

No matter how hard she had worked for her invitation, all her efforts suddenly seemed laughable compared to Alexia, who now drew everyone's admiration without even trying.

Pierson couldn't hide his awe. "Waylon arrived with a companion tonight. Honestly, I can see why-she's stunning."

Silence wrapped around Marilee as she digested his comment.

Eventually, Pierson caught the strain in her expression. "Marilee, is something wrong? Do you happen to know who she is?"

A brittle smile broke through as Marilee replied,"She's Alexia."

That revelation seemed to catch Pierson off guard,but he let the matter rest.

Inside the banquet hall, floral scents mingled with the rustle of silk gowns and the soft clinking of glassware.

Carrie Kennedy approached Zayne and raised her glass in greeting. "Word is you pulled off a major deal overseas.Congratulations."

He met her toast with a modest smile. "That's flattering, but | wouldn't call it a major win. Let's just say I didn't return empty-handed."

Carrie laughed softly. "You always downplay your success. You're already quite accomplished. After all,no one can compare to Waylon."

At the mention of Waylon, Zayne's mood shifted, his expression turning thoughtful.

Within their generation, Waylon had always stood apart, his name carrying a certain weight.

Tonight, they had gathered for one purpose-to welcome Waylon back from abroad.

Carrie leaned in a bit closer. "If I remember right,there's a bit of history between your family and Waylon, isn't there? That goes back years-"

Zayne cut her off quickly. "That is ancient history.Truth be told, those days weren't exactly fond memories. Alexia always found a way to get under Waylon's skin, and he could barely tolerate her."

Carrie raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised. "Was Alexia really that fearless when she was little?"

For as long as anyone could remember, Alexia had stayed out of the spotlight for many years, rarely making appearances at social gatherings. Had Marilee's dramatic return not made headlines, most people would have forgotten Alexia altogether.

A shrug was all Zayne offered. "Boldness doesn't get you far if all it does is irritate people. Thankfully,she's not part of the Jenkins family anymore. If she were, I'd be stuck handling the fallout."

With a thoughtful swirl of her glass, Carrie kept pressing. "Still, the Jenkins family took her in for over twenty years. Why do you dislike her so much?Because she stirred up trouble as a kid?"

Zayne chose silence, refusing to revisit the subject.

Suddenly, the atmosphere at the banquet shifted as a disturbance rippled through the entrance.

The grand hall's chatter dropped off, all attention snapping to the doorway.

Waylon strode into the hall, Alexia by his side, both of them commanding attention.

Seeing the pair together sent a ripple through the crowd. Eyes followed Alexia, filled with interest and speculation.

Soft whispers drifted across the room, quiet but no less intense than those outside.

"Does anyone know who Waylon's companion is?She's stunning."

"Wait, is that Alexia?"

"Are you serious? Alexia? Wasn't she once married to Roger?"

"Can anyone explain what's going on? How did Alexia end up on Waylon's arm? What's the story between those two?"

Carrie shot a pointed look at Zayne, noticing the tension in his jaw. "Are you absolutely certain that Waylon could barely tolerate her?"

Had there truly been any animosity, Alexia would never have set foot inside, much less by Waylon's side.

On top of that, her divorce with Roger had been all over town. Who would risk inviting such controversy at an event like this?

The room seemed to pause, caught off guard by her poise.

Wasting no time, Bradly reached out his hand. "The pleasure is ours, Ms. Jenkins. We're honored you could join us."

Waylon's cool gaze swept the hall, and he spoke with a quiet authority. "Alexia is here as my guest. I hope she has a wonderful evening."

That single declaration sent ripples of shock across the room.